University of Tennessee trustees approve new UT Martin chancellor

MARTIN, Tenn — The University of Tennessee at Martin has a new leader as Dr. Keith Carver replaces Tom Rakes as chancellor.

Dr. Keith Carver

Rakes announced in April of last year he was returning to the classroom.

With new leadership comes new ideas, and Dr. Carver already has goals for UT Martin.

“I want to get real involved in the enrollment and recruitment efforts there, want to get real involved in the student retention efforts,” Dr. Carver said.

Carver said it’s important to monitor the freshmen as they adjust to college life.

“Making sure we get those students in as freshmen, we keep them matriculating through and becoming engaged alumni,” Carver said.

Nearly a month ago, Carver was recommended by the president of the University of Tennessee System, Joe DiPietro, whom Carver served under as his executive assistant.

Carver said this appointment is like a homecoming after previously working as UTM’s assistant vice chancellor for development. “Really excited about moving with my family back to West Tennessee and getting started at UT Martin.”

Carver said he would not have made it to this point without support from the board.

“I just want to express my gratitude to search committee from UT Martin for this appointment.”

Another goal Carver hopes to achieve is  partnering with the entire West Tennessee area to grow UTM beyond just the campus.

“… tapping into resources that our alums and the external constituency have but also being a resource for the region too,” Carver said.

Dr. Carver will begin his new role on Jan. 3.